Become an expert driver and communications specialist
“I’m faced with various challenges; no two days are ever the same. As a Section Commander, I’m responsible for the training of Comms Troop.”
Our soldiers and officers need to be in contact at all times. You make sure that’s possible by looking after your regiment’s communications equipment. You set up our cutting-edge systems when we move around the battlefield – in fact, you’re often one of the first people on the scene. You will work closely with officers, passing on information and keeping channels open. You’re trained to use radio and digital communications systems. You can get qualifications in civilian technology and will learn to drive a range of vehicles. Sports and Adventurous Training add to this exciting dual role.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Advise commanders on all aspects of communication security and signals equipment.
- Learn to drive a variety of military vehicles and gain HGV licence.
- Maintain an RLC Regiment’s communications equipment.
- Work from unit headquarters on exercise and operations, setting up and maintaining communications.
- Gain qualifications in civilian communication technology.
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
You'll start with your initial military training which will teach you how to be a soldier - this will cover everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years 5 months), you’ll do a 23-week basic military training course at Harrogate. If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years 1 month), you’ll do the regular 14-week adult basic training.
Step 2
Next you go to Leconfield for 23 weeks. Over the first 15 weeks, you’re trained to be an Army Driver. You get a range of licences including HGV, plus Hazardous Materials qualifications. Then you have 6 weeks of Basic Signaller Class 3 training, where you learn about communications equipment.:
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 16 years 6 months - 35 years 6 months
QUALIFICATIONS: No formal qualifications required
FITNESS: Lift 20kg, Carry 60m, 1.5 mile run in 14 min (14 min 30 sec for junior entry)
From 1 April 2019, the tests you take at the Assessment Centre will change:
Mid Thigh Pull 46kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
- Level 2 Certificate Logistics & Transport
- Affiliate Membership of CILT
- Level 2 certificates in Telecoms & Unified Coms
- Opportunity to gain higher level qualifications as your career progresses
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £15,230 during training. When your Initial training is finished, and you join your unit as a Private your pay will rise to £18,859.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 per day once you’re a Private. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you’re entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty. More about Reserve benefits
FROM THE FIELD
“As a Communication Specialist you have a dual role, driving various military vehicles and handling all aspects of communications. Whilst working on camp, your main role is to look after your section’s vehicles and communications equipment, making sure it’s serviceable, as you could be expected to deploy on exercise or operations at any time. You’re kept busy with exercises in various parts of the country to provide communications and support to other units and cap badges. Being a Communications Specialist can be very challenging at times, but also very rewarding.”
TRAINING FOR THE ROLE
Step 1
You start by training to be a soldier with your Reserve unit.
Step 2
Once you’ve learned to be a soldier, you’ll train as a Communications Operator over 2 weeks. You’ll take further courses to build your skills later on. If you don’t have your driving licence already, we’ll help you get it. You can also get your category C licence (for driving lorries) while you’re with us.:
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 17 years 9 months - 49 years 11 months
QUALIFICATIONS: No formal qualifications required
FITNESS: Lift 20kg, Carry 60m, 1.5 mile run in 14 min
From 1 April 2019, the tests you take at the Assessment Centre will change:
Mid Thigh Pull 46kg
Medicine Ball Throw 3.1m
2km run 11m 15s (11m 30s for Junior Entry)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
- Car plus trailer licence (Cat B+E)
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £15,230 during training. When your Initial training is finished, and you join your unit as a Private your pay will rise to £18,859.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 per day once you’re a Private. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you’re entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty. More about Reserve benefits
FROM THE FIELD
“I wanted to join the Army Reserve as I’ve always been interested in the Army and could fit the training around my day job. Being a Driver Communications Specialist gives you two roles and I wanted something to challenge me. I’ve deployed on an operational tour in Iraq and completed my Physical Training Instructor (PTI) course, so I have been tested individually and professionally. I also competed in the Royal Logistic Corps Skiing Championships, where I had the chance to learn Alpine Skiing and then race - I was paid more than it cost me…..my civilian mates couldn’t believe it!” LCpl Mooney
HOW TO APPLY?
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre,you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.